Northern Arches

73.167 (2324) Northern Arches or ExileApamea exulis (Lefebvre, 1836)

Status

Resident. Rare.

Flight period

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

N

D

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█

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History

In early August 2003 on Lowther Hill, Dumfriesshire, traps were set at 530 and 725 metres and seven specimens were caught, with a single verified at the NMS. The following year in mid-July at a Grey Daggers Moth Group field meeting it was trapped again. Another was caught that year on the Bennan in Glen Trool. It was visited again the following year and three were trapped. Also in 2005, one was caught at the Grey Mare's Tail NTS on 9th July.

Life cycle

One generation. Overwinters as a larva, during September to May, with pupation underground.

Larval foodplants

Unknown, but thought to be grasses.

Identification

The shaggy thorax that is deep-scaled with protruding spindly legs should initially help. The dark brown forewing is another clue.